unspoken truth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unspoken truth" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a truth that is understood or felt but not explicitly stated or discussed. Example: "In their relationship, there was an unspoken truth that neither of them dared to acknowledge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That is the great unspoken truth.

The Guardian

She described this exquisitely in one of the tales in The Unspoken Truth.

Independent

The unspoken truth is that the agency is being buried with its industry.

The New York Times

Her other books include a volume of autobiographical fiction, "The Unspoken Truth" (2010).

The New York Times - Books

In some ways, it speaks to a broader, unspoken truth about trials.

The New York Times

The unspoken truth is that for the most part, large software companies are not motivated to make software secure.

The New York Times

As Loki says to a crowd of earthlings, "It is the unspoken truth of humanity that you crave subjugation".

The New Yorker

Every Premier League manager knows the unspoken truth about his relationship with the reporters who gather around him twice weekly.

Independent

Gradually an unspoken truth emerges: we will look out for one another, even 15, 20 years down the road.

The New York Times

But as Mr. Archilla's siblings moved out, one by one, and Mr. Lokkins remained, the unspoken truth began to emerge.

The New York Times

The Unspoken Truth: A Quartet of Bloomsbury Stories by Angelica Garnett is published by Chatto & Windus, £15.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unspoken truth" to highlight a reality that is widely known or felt but rarely discussed openly to create a sense of shared understanding or unspoken agreement among the audience.

Common error

Avoid using "unspoken truth" when the information is genuinely unknown to the audience or requires explicit explanation. Ensure that the truth is indeed widely felt or understood, even if not openly discussed, to maintain credibility and avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unspoken truth" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or complement in a sentence. It identifies a reality or fact that is understood or felt without being explicitly articulated. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unspoken truth" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a fact or reality that is widely understood or felt but rarely discussed openly. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently used in news and media to highlight shared understandings, delicate issues, or tacit agreements. Alternatives like "silent truth", "implicit truth", and "hidden truth" offer nuanced ways to express similar concepts. While the phrase is versatile, it's essential to ensure that the "truth" is indeed widely known to avoid confusion. The prevalence of this phrase in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

silent truth

Emphasizes the lack of verbal expression, focusing on the quiet nature of the truth.

implicit truth

Highlights that the truth is implied rather than directly stated.

hidden truth

Stresses that the truth is concealed or not easily apparent.

tacit understanding

Focuses on the mutual agreement or comprehension without explicit communication.

unacknowledged reality

Emphasizes that the reality is not recognized or admitted.

underlying reality

Highlights the fundamental truth that influences a situation.

secret reality

Highlights the confidential aspect of an existing truth.

veiled truth

Suggests that the truth is covered or disguised.

understood fact

Focuses on the idea that the information is already clear to everyone.

presumed truth

Implies that the truth is assumed to be correct without proof.

FAQs

How can I use "unspoken truth" in a sentence?

The phrase "unspoken truth" is used to refer to something that is understood or felt but not explicitly stated. For example, "The "unspoken truth" was that the project was failing, despite the team's optimistic reports."

What is a similar phrase to "unspoken truth"?

Alternatives to "unspoken truth" include phrases like "silent truth", "implicit truth", or "hidden truth". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "the unspoken truth is"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "the unspoken truth is". This construction is frequently used to introduce the unspoken or unacknowledged fact, for example, "The "unspoken truth" is that the company is struggling financially."

What's the difference between "unspoken truth" and "secret truth"?

"Unspoken truth" refers to a truth that is widely understood but not openly discussed, while "secret truth" implies that the truth is intentionally concealed and known only to a few. The difference lies in the intention and scope of knowledge.